"I love my lessons with Anna. They are fun without ever being trivial, challenging without ever being daunting, and the progress I've made over a year of lessons has been far more than I thought I'd achieve. Her positive presence puts me at ease and allows me to experiment and learn without worry of getting it wrong. Her own playing with her lovely warm tone and great musicality is an excellent example and encourages me to try and find the same quality in my playing. I'm an adult learner, so I've got a busy life to fit my lessons around, but playing my violin has become an essential part of my day and I look forward to each lesson very much."
P. Stott
"As a woman in her 60's who had never played a musical instrument in her life, and who couldn’t read a note of music, I knew I needed a teacher who would be patient, encouraging and persistent, somebody who could explain things simply and clearly while treating me as an intelligent human being. Anna has done all this and more. Over two years she has helped me find confidence and progress enough to read music and pick out tunes from sight. I can now play a whole variety of pieces both classical and folk. Anna is happy to help me find and play the music I would like to play. I always look forward to my violin lessons and, at times when I have felt despondent about a lack of progress, Anna has helped me to believe the difficulties will pass. I would really recommend her as a teacher whatever your age or experience."
Chris Banks
"When I first expressed an interest in learning the violin as an adult, many people told me it was impossible to get to a respectable standard without learning from childhood, and it would take years to achieve a respectable sound. Anna's wonderful nature, teaching and personality made learning the violin a pleasure and, within a few short months, I was playing pieces and could read music. Two and a half years later, I'm working towards a Grade 5 standard and have accomplished a level of playing I never thought possible. I cannot recommend Anna highly enough if you're thinking of learning the violin. Never intimidating, she is patient, installing and growing confidence in your playing. Furthermore, as Anna has a PGCE and currently teaches A-levels, lessons are clearly structured with short and long term goals in mind. Thank you for all of your wonderful teaching Anna!"
Glenn Weeks
"I learned the violin at school, but hadn't touched it in nearly twenty years when I decided I should really give it a proper go again...or else sell the violin! My lessons with Anna are bringing back the skills I had, but are also enabling me to develop further as a violinist and musician. I know she thinks a lot about my playing between lessons, and I think she relishes the challenge of coming up with ways to help me address difficulties. It's clear she enjoys teaching, and brings her knowledge, experience and musicality to bear. She instantly puts me at ease and I've really grown in confidence. With Anna, I have absolutely regained my joy in playing; now my violin is my favourite thing!"
Gillian Kay
"During Covid lockdown I decided to have a go at learning the violin. I’m so glad I found Anna. As an older adult I wanted a tutor I could feel comfortable and confident with. I certainly found this and much more. Anna is a great tutor, she took the time to find out what I wanted to achieve and personalised her teaching approach accordingly. She is brilliant technically with a clear and structured approach but doesn’t apply any pressure, allowing me to learn at my own pace. Anna is kind and encouraging and it is all credit to her that she took me from a complete beginner to my Grade 1 exam within a year. I never imagined I’d feel such joy in playing the violin.”
Ali Hunt
"I always look forward to lessons with Anna. The fact she is happy for you to bring along your own choices of music, helps you find pieces that you'd like to play and/or supplies music that might be of interest, is always appreciated and makes the learning process enjoyable, fulfilling and personalised. For those who are interested in it, her knowledge of music theory seems deep, with lessons often naturally eliciting interesting points about musical composition as well as some points that I must admit go beyond my current comprehension. I have found her very kind and personable. She went out of her way and beyond my expectations by taking time out to come with me to help me try out and buy a violin and is always understanding when I have had to cancel or rearrange lessons. She has also been flexible in scheduling lessons around my irregular work pattern. She is not only a joy to be taught by, consistently making me feel welcome and giving the impression that lessons are more than just a commercial interaction for her, but also always appears happy to teach me - no matter how little practice I've done between lessons!"
Tom
